How can I use different emojis than the ones in Windows 10?

Windows 10 Pro
Version 21H1
Build 19043.2130

My desktop computer does not meet the criteria for Windows 11. Since it has lots of memory, a fast enough chip, a good graphics card and DAC etc, I don't expect to upgrade until I really have to.

I dislike the emoji selection in Windows 10 and would love to be able to add to it or change it altogether. I want emojis that are well drawn and subtly colored. For my very particular aesthetic I experience the available emojis as "in your face". Is there any way to replace or change the emojis one uses? During the last few years I just didn't use any emojis and stuck to the symbols. I'm discovering that some younger users think I accidentally put in some meaningless characters. So clearly it's time to use emojis but I want ones I like if that's possible.

Thanks

dalchina said:

Hi, perhaps looking for a freeware alternative might give you ones you'd prefer.

E.g.
alternativeto Winmoji

Thanks - that was something I'm glad to know about but most are several years old. I am hoping to find a way to have emojis I find or collect, perhaps from sites such as Deviant Art and install them to be used in addition to or instead of these.
For example, I make use of the ability to change folder icons a lot. When you initially click on change icon, Windows provide their choices - most of which I don't want. I've created another folder on another drive and have collected/created icons I enjoy using. Win 10 will let me go right to that folder and choose any .ico files within it. I want to do the same with emojis.

Maybe it's not possible but it "should" be - if I knew where the emojis lived and are they stored with file extensions?

Thanks again.